By Buwule Joseph Mary
The historic St. Augustine Chapel at Makerere University has celebrated 85 years of spiritual guidance, community building, and moral formation, in a landmark event that brought together religious leaders, government officials, students, and alumni in a powerful expression of faith, unity, and shared heritage.
The anniversary celebrations, held on April 12, 2026, were graced by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the St. Augustine Student Centre — a UGX 2 billion project aimed at strengthening spiritual, social, and pastoral services for students.
The day began at the chapel grounds, where hundreds of faithful gathered in thanksgiving, reflecting on decades of the Catholic community’s influence within the university. In her remarks, Alupo commended the chapel’s enduring role in nurturing morally grounded graduates and instilling values that extend far beyond academic achievement.
She applauded the leadership and wider community for mobilizing resources toward the expansion project, describing it as a forward-looking investment in Uganda’s future leaders.
“The government and the Church have common objectives of serving humanity,” she said. “We shall continue to work closely together to deliver services to our people.”
Delivering greetings from President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady Janet Museveni, Alupo described the 85-year milestone as both historic and deeply personal, especially for alumni who passed through the institution.
Reflecting on her own time at Makerere, she spoke nostalgically about her days as a student and an active member of St. Augustine Chapel.
“This chapel has groomed many leaders in different capacities,” she said. “When I entered today, I remembered exactly where I used to sit — just behind on the left. It reminded me of the strong foundation that was built here.”
She paid tribute to past chaplains, particularly recalling Monsignor Lawrence Kanyike, whose sermons, she noted, inspired students to pursue success while remaining rooted in faith and service.
“He always reminded us that we shall succeed, especially if we walk our journey hand in hand with serving the Church — and that means serving humanity,” she recounted.
The Vice President also commended the current chaplain and his predecessors for preserving both the physical structure and the spiritual legacy of the chapel, describing their contribution as invaluable to generations of students.
As the fundraising drive gained momentum, she urged the congregation to give generously, emphasizing the importance of investing in spaces that nurture both spiritual growth and leadership.
“This ceremony reminds us to reflect on where we came from,” she said, calling on alumni and well-wishers to support the continued growth of the chapel.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the faithful processed to Freedom Square in a vibrant display of song, prayer, and reflection. The procession culminated in a solemn Holy Mass led by His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of the Kampala Archdiocese.
In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere underscored the importance of sustaining a strong Christian witness within academic environments. While universities are centres of intellectual exploration, he noted, they also expose students to complex ideologies that may at times challenge faith.
“Our presence as Catholics in this university is a source of hope for the Church,” he said. “But it also comes with responsibility. Faith should not remain private; we are called to bear witness even in environments where competing beliefs may appear attractive but diverge from the truth.”
He urged students and staff to remain steadfast and to live out their faith authentically in both word and action.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, was recognised for his contribution to the fundraising efforts for the Student Centre expansion. His support, alongside that of other stakeholders, has been instrumental in advancing the project.
In his remarks, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the St. Augustine community upon reaching its 85th anniversary, describing it as a vibrant and integral part of university life. He commended the discipline and character of students associated with the chapel, attributing this to the positive environment it fosters.
“The St. Augustine community is very vibrant, with disciplined students who contribute greatly to the atmosphere we enjoy at Makerere,” he noted.
He further applauded the Vice President for presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing that the expanded Student Centre will serve the entire university community and significantly enhance student life.
Prof. Nawangwe also used the platform to appeal for additional government support toward the project, underscoring its importance as the university continues to grow. He assured stakeholders of the university management’s full commitment to the initiative.
“We will provide all the possible support to ensure the success of this project,” he pledged.
In a personal gesture, the Vice Chancellor announced that he would make a significant contribution to the fundraising drive and mobilize the wider university community to support the cause.
The 85th anniversary served not only as a moment of reflection on the chapel’s rich history, but also as a renewed call to strengthen the spiritual fabric of the university community.
Established in 1940 and completed in 1941, St. Augustine Chapel remains one of the oldest and most significant religious institutions at Makerere University. For decades, it has served as the main Catholic centre of worship, offering Mass, sacraments, and pastoral care to students and staff.
Beyond its spiritual role, the chapel has been instrumental in shaping values, nurturing leadership, and building a strong sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. It has inspired religious vocations, supported students through life’s challenges, and remained central during key moments in the university’s history, including memorial services and institutional events.
Although rooted in the Catholic tradition, the chapel continues to contribute to Makerere’s broader vision of inclusivity by welcoming all who seek reflection, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
As celebrations drew to a close, a sense of gratitude and renewed hope filled the air. The St. Augustine community reaffirmed its commitment to faith, unity, and development, with the planned expansion standing as a symbol of continuity and growth — firmly rooted in its founding mission while evolving to meet the needs of future generations.
For many attendees, the occasion was more than a commemoration; it was a reaffirmation of identity, purpose, and a confident step into the future.